Lewis and Clark prepare for their expedition to explore the Northwest Territory of the United States. Explore the dates below for big events in 1803.

June 20
President Thomas Jefferson writes a letter to Meriwether Lewis asking him to command an expedition across the Pacific Northwest to the Pacific Ocean.

July 4
The United States announces the Louisiana Purchase from France.

July 29
William Clark agrees to be co-captain on the expedition.

October 14
Lewis and Clark meet in Louisville, Kentucky. Read more about this meeting in the trail today.

December 8
Lewis and Clark set up Camp River Dubois, just north of St. Louis, Missouri. While Clark recruits and trains men, Lewis learns as much scientific, geographic, medical, and historic knowledge as he can to prepare for the voyage.

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Congratulations, you have found one of the objects for the specimen box!

As Lewis and Clark explored this new land, they discovered new species of plants like this native corn. Click here to add the corn to your specimen box or click here for a printable version.